Talking to Adults

YOU can help Stop Bullying by talking to adults about bullying!

HRSA's Stop Bullying Now! Campaign has helped provide tips on how you can talk to adults in your life to help stop bullying.

When asked the question: "What threatens your safety and emotional health?" most teens say, teasing and bullying (Kaiser Family Foundation & Children Now, 2001). Yet many adults, even your parents and teachers, may not realize how often you see or experience bullying at school and elsewhere. Often adults don't see bullying when it happens. And those adults who see it, and do nothing, may not understand that teens can be hurt by bullying.

Teens who are bullied day after day can feel helpless and alone. They may become too scared to report the bullying, fearing that adults won't believe them. Teens also worry that if the bullies find out they "tattled," the bullying may get worse. To protect teens who are bullied, parents and all adults must understand what bullying is, how harmful it can be, and the best ways to stop bullying behaviors.

Here are some tips when talking to adults.

Think about times you have seen bullying happen and write down as much as you can remember using the questions below as a guide.

Where does it take place?Who does the bullying?When does it happen?

Find out how bullying is handled at your school. If you haven't been bullied but are close to someone who has and is willing to discuss it, talk to him or her about what could have been done differently. Here are some questions you could ask:

Did you tell a parent or teacher?
Did an adult help stop the bullying?
Did any students help you?
What would make you feel safer?

Be a leader by telling adults that you want to lend a hand to stop bullying. Schools with anti-bullying policies often include students in the development of the Bullying

If there isn't a policy on bullying in your school, get involved. Share your concerns about bullying with the school principal, teachers, and counselors and express your interest in being involved with preventing bullying in your school.

Talk with adults outside of school who can help stop bullying everywhere. Many adults you know understand the effects of bullying and can help plan ways to keep teens safe whether in or out-of-school.